President Joe Biden returned to Washington late Saturday local time after his presidential election rival Donald Trump was injured in an assassination attempt during a campaign rally. Biden had planned to spend the weekend at his residence in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, but instead returned to the U.S. capital and arrived at the White House shortly after midnight, as stated in an announcement.
A White House official announced that Biden spoke to his Republican rival Donald Trump following the incident. The official said, "This evening, President Biden spoke to former President Trump," adding that Biden would receive an updated briefing from law enforcement officials on Sunday morning.
Earlier, Biden stated in a brief speech that "everyone must condemn" the shooting that occurred during Trump's campaign rally on Saturday. He added that he hoped to speak to his Republican rival "tonight" about the situation.
President Joe Biden called for an end to political violence, stating in televised remarks that Trump appeared to be in good condition. Biden said, "There is no place in America for this kind of violence. It is disgusting. Everyone must condemn it." He clarified that he was fully briefed on the incident and intended to talk to Trump.
In a previous statement, Biden expressed that he "felt relief" upon being informed that Donald Trump was "safe and well" after the shooting at Saturday’s rally for the Republican presidential candidate.
Biden added in the statement that he was "grateful to hear he is fine and healthy. I pray for him and his family and for those who were at the rally, and we await further information." He continued, "Jill (Biden's wife) and I are grateful to the Secret Service for providing him protection. There is no place for this kind of violence in the United States, and we must unite as one nation to condemn it."
Additionally, Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump was rushed off the stage during a large rally on Saturday after what sounded like gunshots were heard during the event in Pennsylvania. The former president was seen with blood on his right ear while surrounded by security personnel who escorted him off the stage.
Trump had just begun his speech when gunfire was heard, prompting Secret Service agents responsible for the safety of presidents and former presidents to assist him in getting up and escorting him from the stage to his vehicle. During his evacuation, Trump raised his fist in front of the crowd amidst the cheers of his supporters.
